SIGNS OF PEACE.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1631, 24 December 1912, Page 7

SIGNS OF PEACE.

FRENCH PREMIER'S FORECAST. .' TURKEY AND HER EMPIRE. SUZERAINTY OVER ALBANIA. 1 AUSTRIA UNBENDS. By Telegraph—Prosa Association—Copyright Paris,_ December 22. . ' The Premier (M. Poincare), speaking alternately in the Chamber and the Senate, said he hoped for an early settlement of the Balkan War, but if war again ■resulted France will offer mediation. Ho anticipated that peace, when signed, would rest on a solid basis. The Balkan Allies rose in the name of justice and liberty, bespeaking '.France's goodwill in judging their work. Turkey would retain a considerable Empire, enabling her to continue her fruitful relations with France. .■.When speaking in the Chamber of Deputies, M. Poincare foreshadowed Albanian automony under the Sultan's suzerainty and European control, with a free neutral port for Servia and means of railway communication, likewise under European control. '■'.■' An official communique which has been issued emphasises tho marked improver meat in the international situation, and adds: "Austria, who hitherto maintained an attitude of reserve, has decided to come.into line Svith all the other Powers, and urge, prudence and moderation by Turkey." It concludes that negotiations for peace havß made great strides during the last forty-eight hours.' THE PEACE NEGOTIATIONS. COMPLIMENT TO SIE EDWARD GREY Berlin, December 22. . The newspapers are gratified at the results of Sir Edward Grey's. initiative at the peace meetings. > OBDURATE BULGARIANS. ■ ' London, December 22. The "Observer" declares that the Bulgarians are obdurate, and declare that war is preferable to acceding'to the request concerning the revictualling of. Adrian-' ople.

SUSPICIOUS OP TURKEY. Belgrade, December 22. ■ The newspapers state-that the Turkish delegates are making excuses at the Peace Conference to gain time, and urge the Allies to force peace or immediately resume hostilities. "A GREAT AND FAITHFUL FRIEND." London, December 22. . The delegates of the Peace Conferenco have decided to place a wreath on the late Mr. Gladstone's monument as a token of gratitude to a great and faithful .friend, '.'••, THE POWERS INVOKED. (Rec. December 24, 0.15 a.m.) Constantinople, December 23. The Porte has cabled fresh instructions to London; /.It is believed./that "she invokes the Powers' offices to-promote ah agreement.' ■• <.■:■■. •.'.-• : ...:■',• ...-•:•'. ' '■. ■" •• ■' ,ir» -ml ,;;ntfif;.>'-l .ijoIK | .NAVAL SKIRMISH. '■°. TTOiaSH'SQUADRON'S DASH." (Rec. December 24, 0.15 a.m.) Athens, December 23. The Turkish squadron sortied out of the Dardanelles, and the torpedoers steaming at full speed fired twenty shells. The inhabitants attempted to welcome the fleet, but the Greek garrison fired, killing three, and wounding twelve civilians. , The squadron then re-entered the Dardanelles. Admiral Coundouriotti's squadTon at Lemnps pursued the Turkish ships without result. .■'."' THE AMENDE HONOURABLE. PROCHASKA INCIDENT CLOSED. Vienna, December 22. The Servian Prime Minister (M. Pasics) ha 3 spontaneously expressed to the AustroHungarian Minister regret for the blunr ders of individual military officers of the Prochaska incident at Pr.iszren, which has now satisfactorily closed. . GREEKS REPULSED. FIGHTING AT YANINA. ' Constantinople, December 22. . The Vali of Yanina reports that the Greeks were repulsed after a five days' battle. SEVERE FIGHTING. Constantinople, December 23. There has been severe fighting in the vicinity of Yanina. The Turkish right wing was driven in, but reinforcements enabled the Turks to drive off the Greeks. The casualties on both' sides were heavy. . SORTIES FROM SKUTARI. ' TWO VILLAGES BURNED. . ... (Reo. December 23, 11.10 p.m.) Athens, December 23. The Turks have made several sorties from Skutari, and burned two of the adjoining villages. The Servians repelled them, inflicting heavy loss. • RUMANIA ACTIVE. NEGOTIATING FOR TORPEDO-BOATS. (Rec. December 24, 0.15 a.m.) Bukarest, December 23. Rumania is negotiating for the purchase of two Chilian torpedo gunboats which are building in England. Each cost .£265,000.' Rumania offers .£305,000 for immediate delivery.